A Living Stipend, Educational Award and Career Development Skills Available for
County-Based Environmental Service
New City, NY, – County Executive Ed Day today announced that the Rockland County Youth Bureau is accepting applications for the 2022 Rockland Conservation & Service Corps (RCSC).
Celebrating its’ 22nd year, Rockland Conservation Corps members perform a variety of outdoor, environmental community service projects throughout the Rockland region. Responsibilities include educating the public about water stewardship, ecological conservation and environmental health issues, fieldwork and data collection, building and maintaining nature trails, teaching environmental education, planting gardens, patrolling streams, connecting young adults to their local environment, facilitating clean ups, and implementing food recovery programs, among others. Corps Members will take an active role in beautifying, protecting, and preserving Rockland’s parks, open spaces, and valued resources.
To be considered, students must be at least 18. Members are required to serve 350 hours between May 23rd and mid to late August at local sites that may include the Rockland County Division of Environmental Resources, the Clarkstown Planning Department, the Town of Ramapo, the Rockland County Drainage Agency, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and Cornell Cooperative Extension, among others.
“This is a great opportunity for students to gain work experience, earn money and make a lasting contribution to their community,” said County Executive Ed Day. “This is an experience that goes far beyond the classroom.”
Members are paid a $2,300 living stipend for the summer. After successful completion of 350 hours, Corps Members earn an additional $1,342.86 educational award provided by AmeriCorps and The Corps Network.
Fifty hours of training are included in the 350-hour time commitment where members are trained in areas including environmental education, trail building, conservation, curriculum development, leadership, team building, safety as well as a variety of other pertinent topics. Members will also earn valuable work and service experience, network professionally and socially, potentially earn college credit and make improvements in the community.
“It’s a terrific way to build a resume, get work experience, be outdoors all summer, network and meet new friends,” said Kathy Galione, Youth Bureau Program Coordinator.
This is a full-time, 35-40 hours per week, opportunity over the summer that is considered community service not a job. Candidates that are selected for the program will have a summer schedule that will permit the completion of the 350-hour time commitment.
Applications are due Friday, April 8, 2022. The program begins on May 23, 2022, with most of the service taking place late May through August. Candidates can request an application by phone (845) 364-2937/2932 or by e-mail rcsc@co.rockland.ny.us. Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.